merrion street

– Congratulates producers and city and county Enterprise Boards on the publication fo the Cork Food Finder -

Speaking at the Cork Food Forum Networking 2011 event, Minister of State McEntee said that "every opportunity presented must be seized upon in the development of the agri-food sector." Remarking on the various sectors from Cork who were involved in the event and in producing the Cork Food Finder, he said that the Forum "provided the agri-food sector with an opportunity to network, exchange ideas and most importantly, to develop new business ideas and find new markets for their products" .

The Minister added that continued development of value-added food on the home and international markets was key to delivering a sustainable agri-food economy. Ireland had a uniquely sustainable food production system and this provided the raw material to support food businesses and food entrepreneurs in creating wealth and building employment in the rural economy.

The Minister remarked that Ireland and especially Cork were given a unique platform on an international stage to project Ireland and Irish food as a Food Island to visit and do business with. Finally Minister of State McEntee commended the organisers for this magnificent event and wished the region continued success.